April 19, 2008
April 19th saw both bands heading out west to the Brandon Highland Festival and it was well worth the price of gas!!
The grade 2 band got its first taste of competition against the City of Regina Pipe Band in the grade 2 medley contest. The contest was fun to watch from the sidelines and both bands put forward creative and musical selections, however when the smoke settled St. Andrew's prevailed. Great job folks! The grade 4 band steamed into Brandon with nothing short of the World's in their sites. Set up times, rehearsals, and endurance were put to the test with 4 plays inside of two hours in two grades.
The grade 4 march medley was a great play for the band. The chanters were singing and the last play of this years 4/4 March medley went off without a hitch. It was followed by three more plays including the grade 3 MSR, and Medley contests.
The grade 4 band won the grade three medley outright and there was a draw in the MSR contest, however St. Andrew's won it on an ensemble preference and continued on with their undefeated season. Congratulations!
All in all a great weekend for both bands, a big pat on the back to all the great solo players and, in some cases, their siblings. You've done us proud!
The next contest will be for the grade 2 band as they travel to Red Deer & Ellerslie, to compete in grade 2…. And grade 1 in preparation for Maxville.
September 3, 2007
Congratulations goes out to the organization's Grade 4 Band, who performed a clean sweep of the Calgary and Canmore Pipe Band contests this past weekend. Saturday posed great hurdles for all bands, as patchy cloud cover in the morning gave way to a beautiful afternoon. All twelve pipe bands in the grade four contest came out swinging, but in the end St. A’s Grade 4 won the day.
A repeat performance on Sunday was in the cards, and the band walked away from the weekend the overall winners. Congratulations also go out to fellow Winnipeg band Transcona & District, who placed third on Saturday and second on Sunday.
Big thanks to all of the contest organizers and volunteers who make these beautiful games happen. As well, the Grade 4 Band thanks Wes Sheppard and Christian Hryniw for being their pit crew this weekend.
The band resumes practices in one week's time to prepare for the new contest season and the upcoming January concert. Stay tuned for more details.
August 6, 2007
August long weekend saw the St. Andrew’s Society Pipe band traveling to Ottawa for the North American Championships held in Maxville, Ontario. The band flew to Ottawa on the Thursday morning and headlined the “B’ in the Park” concert put on by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band. Along with the Sons of Scotland, St. Andrew’s was accompanied by The RCMP Pipes and Drums, as well as the Triumph Street Pipe Band from B.C.
Friday was a free day with rehearsal at night, and Saturday morning the band hopped on a bus and traveled to Maxville for the Glengarry Highland games. This marked the second year the band has competed in Maxville as a grade two organization and was thrilled to place third once again in a very large class. Fellow concert performers Triumph Street were the big story of the weekend, winning the grade two North American Championship.
The Band traveled to the Montreal Highland Games and competed again on Sunday. The bands all played an MSR, and this time St. Andrew’s was awarded second place over all.
All in all, the contest was extremely successful and the band performed at the peak of its abilities. Big congrats to fellow bus mates the Edmonton & District Pipe Band, who took home the grade three prizes both days, and of course congratulations to Triumph Street on their well deserved success.
May 22, 2007
May long weekend saw the Grade 4 band traveling to Moosejaw and Regina for the Saskatchewan Pipe Band Association Contests. Saturday morning was bitterly cold, reaching zero degrees during solos. Still the various soloists performed well and competed to the best of their abilities.
Saturday afternoon the bands took to the field. St. Andrew’s Grade 4 played well with a relatively low pitch and came away with a second and a fourth respectively. However, Grade 2 piper Scott Fidler was very successful in his solos and the whole group celebrated for him.
Sunday’s contest was held in Regina. The morning solos were indoors, giving the weather a chance to heat up before the band contests, and did it. Perhaps one of the most beautiful days for pipe bands yet, the sun was shining and everyone was outside, suntan lotion in hand.
The Grade 4 band competed a total of three times in two grades, and had one of their more successful competition days. The first play in grade four was the Quick March Medley. The band was still a little nervous after Saturday, but played quite well, steady, and strong. The next play was the grade four Medley contest. The band played with huge presence and a great quality of sound. Good tempos and steady rhythms highlighted the play.
The third play of the day was the grade three Medley contest. It was at this point the band pulled out all the stops and really went for it. Solid tone, tempos, and playing really aided the band in one of their best plays of the year.
After massed bands the band walked away with three trophies for three contests. After some investigation it was confirmed that St. A’s Grade 4 did not win the grade four march medley, but came in third, while the Lord Selkirk Boy Scouts won the contest. Congratulations boys!!! Still, prizes included grade four Medley; first place, grade three Medley; first place, best grade three mid-section, and straight firsts in drumming across the board.
There was also great rejoicing from the band when Austin Hay won the grade four snare competition. Congrats Austin, keep up the good work. The band also cheered on Grade 2 member Chris Gardner who won the grade two drumming contest and a great scholarship to a pipe band camp this summer. Scott Fidler was successful again competing alongside fellow band mates Scott Foster and Clarke Stockton. Congratulations to everyone! Special thanks to the boys for their help in setting up the band, and a special thankyou to Cam Ballantyne for his help with drones etc. all weekend long. You guys rock!
All in all the band left Regina in great spirits, and they are looking forward to the Selkirk and Bands on the Boardwalk contests. Good luck to all competitors in preparation, we’ll see you on the field.
April 29, 2007
The Brandon Highland Festival marked another successful competition for the SASPB Association. With an impressive panel of judges and a host of other bands working hard in preparation, the day was preceded with great anticipation
The morning highlighted the individual efforts of the solo competitors from the organization. With the solo contests being held inside, the competitors were free to concentrate on their performance and not the weather.
In the afternoon the competition moved out doors and all bands were tested by windy conditions and rapidly changing cloud formations. The Grade 4 band played successfully in two contests, the Quick March Medley, and the Medley. Hard work paid off and the band was awarded first in both competitions. Kyla Johnston, one of many successful soloists, got both the inside and outside view of the band due to an untimely arm injury.
“It was a serious challenge trying to listen in the circle, the wind really played a factor in our performance, you could see the band made adjustments before the second play, we did our best and got some great results.”
Entering the playing field the Grade 2 band hoped to gain some badly needed scrutiny from the judging panel. Drum Sergeant Roland Reid seemed pleased with both of the bands performances.
“We really needed the pressure of playing in front of judges. The only time we’ll actually compete this year will be at Maxville so the more comments and suggestions the better.”
By the time massed bands was done it seemed like a steady stream of blue had headed to the podium. Congratulations to the many soloists who competed and especially to Chris Gardner, Austin Hay, Kyla Johnston, Scott Fidler, Scott Foster, and Clarke Stockton, who all visited the podium to claim a prize. Of course a huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers and committee members who make the Brandon highland games possible we look forward to next year.
What’s next?
While the Grade 2 band shifts into high gear preparing for the Glengarry Highland Games, the Grade 4 band goes right back into competition May long weekend in Moosejaw and Regina. Stay tuned for results from the games!
February 25, 2007
The Grade 4 band came out swinging this year. With a bigger band and a few years experience under their belt the Grade 4 band performed a clean sweep of the Grade 4 contest this past weekend, winning the slow air 6/8, quick march medley, and medley competitions.
The Grade 4 band would like to thank their pit crew (Cam Ballantyne, Christian Hryniw, Wes Sheppard, and Ryan Cadotte) for all of their help on the contest day. Another big thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who helped at our merchandise table on Saturday. Without your help we wouldn’t be able to concentrate on our performance.
Both band resume practice this week in preparation for the Brandon Highland Festival on April 28th in Brandon, Manitoba.
February 25, 2007
The Grade 2 band received great reviews for their performances in the Grade 2 March, Strasthpey, and Reel, and Medley contests. Though the band did not have any competition they performed as if Saturday was Maxville itself. All judges from the event were very complimentary and the band has a lot of hard work ahead in preparation for the North American Championships this August.
The Grade 2 band also performed a fifteen minute show at the evening Ceilidh. Other performers were Bob Worall and Doug Stronach who put on a fantastic exhibition of musical performance.
The Grade 2 band would also like to send a big CONGRATULATIONS out to the Grade 4 band for their successful weekend, and would especially like to welcome new members Gale Russel, and Christian Hryniw into the competitive circle, WAY TO GO GUYS!!!
January 22, 2007
The numbers are in and the curtain is down on this year’s winter concert, “Road to Glory”. It was another huge success for the band and helped in raising funds required for new kilts, instruments, and travel. On behalf of the concert committee, the executive, and the organization, we would like to thank all of those that took the time to come out and support the bands.
This year’s concert was highlighted with performances by Ms. Colleen McGregor, the Irene Baird School of Highland Dance, and of course the Grade 2 and Grade 4 pipe bands. The band extends its gratitude to George Fidler and Rod Christie, for helping with the back up band, and John Fulton and Brian Hoel, for their assistance in the sound booth and backstage. A special thanks to all those that volunteered their time and talents throughout the entire production.
Planning for next year’s concert is already underway, and the organization is looking forward to providing TWO nights of entertainment to better accommodate the community. Stay tuned to our website for further information on next year’s concert, and the announcement of a very special guest performer!
On behalf of the entire St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg Pipe Band, thank you all for your continued support.
November 13, 2006
This past weekend, members of the Grade 4 band travelled to Falcon Lake for a workshop/retreat.
Pipe Majors Wes Sheppard and Kirby McRae, and Drum Sergeant Sean Johnston spent the day working with the group covering different techniques and refining their amazing talents. The day was a huge success and the band is very enthusiastic in regards to this year's upcoming competitions.
A short performance and some Tom Foolery followed in the lounge of the resort to cap off the successful day. They're sounding great!
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November 12, 2006
The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg Pipe Band's online presence gets a much needed revamp.
Come back often to follow the band's progress!
September 21, 2006
At the band's Annual General Meeting it was decided that with the large influx of members, it be only natural to enable more representation amongst its Executive. The new positions created include a Member at Large from each band, as well as the Pipe Major and Drum Sergeant of the Grade 4 band. With these new positions, the band's current executive consists of:
March 1, 2008 Mark your calendars for the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg Pipe Bands' second annual Dinner & Dance at the Downs!
This year's dinner evening will feature performances by the Grade 2 and Grade 4 pipe bands, as well as the Irene Baird School of Highland Dance. There will also be a Silent Auction, and music by Roadshow Sound.
Cocktails are at 6pm, with dinner served at 7pm, then dancing until 1 am!
Tickets are just $30 each, and available from any member of the band.
May 24th, 2008 The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg Pipe Bands will be hosting an 18 hole Texas Scramble Tournament on May 24th. Tee-off is at 9am at the Southside Golf Course.
All are welcome to participate. The entry fee of $75 includes power cart rental and lunch. There will be prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, as well as a putting contest, and prize for "best kilted golfer".
For more information on this event, please contact Dave Bihun at DaveBihun@SASPB.com or any member of the pipe band.
Click HERE for Tournament Registration form.
For more information on upcoming events:
Please contact Chris Brown via Secretary@SASPB.com.
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